March 04, 2009

Non-Toxic Crafts

You might be surprised to learn that the term "non-toxic" has no official definition or independent certifying agency. While you can assume that most companies test their products to ensure they are non-toxic, I would be more skeptical.

My daughter has allergies and she is very sensitive to chemicals. Through simply doing crafts and {attempting} to have fun, we have found some products that in our opinions, are not only NOT non-toxic, but should definitely not be labeled as being so.

I will be posting about ways to "green your craftmaking." This will include safe craft products to use, and ways to recycle and be creative while making crafts.

If you want to join in, grab my button (below) and post about ways you recycle to create new things, or what products you have found that are safe.

One thing that never really fails is the sniff test. If the craft product you are using with your child has a heavy chemical smell, ditch it! Children are even more prone to being damaged by chemicals. This is truly something that every parent needs to be more concerned about. We can't assume that companies know what is best for our children. That is our job :)

You might be wondering, "Okay, so certain products bothered your daughter, but my child doesn't have allergies. Why does it mean that we should avoid products that you've found to be harmful to your daughter?"

If you are wondering that, good for you. It is a great question. Children who have allergies and are sensitive to chemicals are a red flag for all of us. Children who are playing with products that are labeled "non-toxic," but aren't having any reactions, doesn't mean it is because the product is non-toxic. Some children are able to filter out the chemicals more efficiently. The children who aren't having a "surface" reaction (meaning: a noticeable reaction) are still being bombarded in the inside and the chemicals they endure may have an affect on their long-term overall well-being.

Stay tuned for more information and the first post about safe and not-so-safe products. And of course, more gluten-free recipes :)

Comments

Non-Toxic Crafts

You might be surprised to learn that the term "non-toxic" has no official definition or independent certifying agency. While you can assume that most companies test their products to ensure they are non-toxic, I would be more skeptical.

My daughter has allergies and she is very sensitive to chemicals. Through simply doing crafts and {attempting} to have fun, we have found some products that in our opinions, are not only NOT non-toxic, but should definitely not be labeled as being so.

I will be posting about ways to "green your craftmaking." This will include safe craft products to use, and ways to recycle and be creative while making crafts.

If you want to join in, grab my button (below) and post about ways you recycle to create new things, or what products you have found that are safe.

One thing that never really fails is the sniff test. If the craft product you are using with your child has a heavy chemical smell, ditch it! Children are even more prone to being damaged by chemicals. This is truly something that every parent needs to be more concerned about. We can't assume that companies know what is best for our children. That is our job :)

You might be wondering, "Okay, so certain products bothered your daughter, but my child doesn't have allergies. Why does it mean that we should avoid products that you've found to be harmful to your daughter?"

If you are wondering that, good for you. It is a great question. Children who have allergies and are sensitive to chemicals are a red flag for all of us. Children who are playing with products that are labeled "non-toxic," but aren't having any reactions, doesn't mean it is because the product is non-toxic. Some children are able to filter out the chemicals more efficiently. The children who aren't having a "surface" reaction (meaning: a noticeable reaction) are still being bombarded in the inside and the chemicals they endure may have an affect on their long-term overall well-being.

Stay tuned for more information and the first post about safe and not-so-safe products. And of course, more gluten-free recipes :)